Jessie Graham announced his resignation from the Marion County school board Monday, and a special election is expected on Nov. 3.
Graham, who took office in January as Marion County coroner, said his busy schedule is why he is stepping down.
“It has been an honor to serve as your school board member for the past 9 ½ years. I am proud of our accomplishments as a board. Due to my growing responsibility, it is time to give someone else in my district the opportunity to serve as District No. 3 school board member,” Graham said in his resignation letter to the board.
Graham said his goal was to finish out the school year that ends on June 30, but for the election for his replacement to be on the general ballot in November, he had to go ahead and resign effective Tuesday. Had Graham waited until the end of the school year, a special election would have been required, which is a significant expense to the taxpayers.
Candidates should be able to begin qualifying on Aug. 5, according to Marion County Circuit Clerk Janette Nolan. Nolan said she will have to make sure everything is in compliance. If so, the qualifying period will be from Aug. 5 until Sept. 4.
The school board election will be held at the same time as the Nov. 3 general election.
Other resignations in the county district include Chloe Webb, a teacher at the Carl Loftin Career and Technology Center; Brittney Fortenberry, teacher at East Marion Elementary; Kelsey Robbins, teacher at East Marion High; and Sherrie Williams, principal of West Marion Elementary. Williams will be retiring effective Dec. 31.
In new hires, the board approved:
- Julie Long, part-time SPED teacher;
- Katie Albritton, Carl Loftin Career and Technology Center health science instructor;
- Donald Aaron, alternative education teacher assistant at West Marion High;
- Janna Bridgman, English teacher at West Marion High;
- Alicia Pittman, East Marion Elementary school nurse;
- Charlotte Reid, teacher at East Marion High;
- Mary Stephens, teacher at East Marion High;
- Keri Armstrong, counselor at Carl Loftin Career and Technology Center.
State Superintendent Carey Wright has sent information on the reopening of schools to the local superintendents, Superintendent Wendy Bracey said. Bracey said she was having the first face to face meeting with other superintendents since the coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday to discuss reopening plans.
